captivated by the Author of Love

The Alchemist

2008-06-07T04:36:00.000-07:00

It’s my birthday and I was not expecting a gift. Well, my birth date just doesn’t fall on a day near pay dates. That means I get more Christmas presents than birthday presents. And most of those birthday gifts are given to me either in advance (last week of May) or late (2nd week of June). It’s very rare that someone would hand me a gift on the day itself. Haha.

But this year, specifically today, a good friend handed me something. She bought the book a month ago and plans to read it in between her calls (she’s on an inbound account). However, right after buying the book, she was temporarily transferred to an outbound account, which makes it impossible for her to read the book. For a month now, I have been bugging her to lend me the book but she won’t give in as she has not read it yet.

Then today, since pay day is still a week out of reach, she apologized for not being able to buy me the tumbler she promised. Haha. Then, she suddenly thought of the book, decided to give it to me. She said she’ll just buy another copy for herself. I’m really touched. I want to refuse but she insisted and I remembered an old saying, ‘never refuse a gift given from the heart.” I know, more than the material thing (be it the tumbler or this book), she really wanted to give me a present. And oh, of course, I love books so I accepted it. =D

To Farrah: Thanks a million. As in, million thank yousssss. God bless you heart, dear! I love you too! ^_^

Birthday Prayer: Let Me Have This

2008-06-07T04:27:00.000-07:00

I turned 21 fully awake and I dwell on the birthday wish I want to receive. Just one gift is enough.

Worshiping the One & Only God who orchestrated the Universe and everything in it is HUGE. It ought to be huge, big, and enormous. Loving back the One & Only Savior who conquered a cruel death to cleanse me from within is life changing. And it’s sweet. Being filled with the Holy Spirit puts me back to perspective. Praying in the Spirit allows me to find grace in the most unexpected places.

As I enter another year of this life conceived in Heaven even before time, I ask to be brought by the Lord to that place of desperation for Him.

I am weak and I always fall short of God’s glory. But with a heart desperate for the Consuming Fire, His grace will always be there to sustain. I have plans of my own. But with a heart desperate to move His heart, His plans shall prevail. I lose sight at times. But with a heart desperate to see its Savior face to face, His glory will shine.

As every Christian is, I am called to spread His saving love to the ends of the earth. I know that without reaching that point of desperation, I will find it easy to just say ‘no’. And I don’t want that to happen. I don’t want to break my Savior’s heart again. And so I pray (and ask for payers) that God would just break every inch of my own, old self. Bring me to that place, be it wilderness or green pasture. And continue to take my heart deeper into Your boundless love.

Earth may shake in all its terror and my future may be so uncertain but I will rest in the assurance that God is with me. Everything can be stripped away from me but I will ask the Lord to leave me a heart that beats for Him. For such heart can withstand and even find strength in pain. It won’t grow weary in waiting but will draw wisdom from it. When it loses its way, His love will lead it back.

There is no better birthday gift than that.

Sweet (^_^)

2008-06-03T04:37:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing you'd love about the company I'm working with, they are very good in giving out simple things. Our management is thoughtful enough to remember special occasions. I am really looking forward to receive my favorite cake this coming Saturday from our HR. Weeee!! One whole cake for FREE. Whaaaaa. Like, last year, I'd definitely bring that home. (Selfish-ness again) =p
So, on my way to work last night, I thought of that Black Forest cake. I recalled to mind the last time my taste buds succumbed to its tempting sweetness. And yadah! I didn’t know one of our newbies is celebrating her birthday today. And she was given the same cake I love --- Black Forest!! AND she’s not a selfish child like me who’d rather take the cake home. Wuhoooooo!! I had a slice today just when I was craving for it.

My Jesus could be really sweet! I need not wait for the weekend. I had my fill.

Oh, but of course, I’m still looking forward to that one sweet box I’d sit with at the bus on my ride home this Saturday. =D

Change

2008-06-03T03:38:00.000-07:00

When
I
cannot
change
the
changes
around
me
I
ask
Thee
to
change
my
heart.

Bday Wishes: Batang Excited ^_^

2008-06-02T04:39:00.000-07:00

If and only if I’d be given lots of extra cash AND vacation with pay this coming weekend, I’d gladly spend it doing the following:

-I’ll go to Enchanted Kingdom, exhilarate myself with the rides I so miss and watch their breath-taking fireworks

-I’ll take a tour at the Ocean Park (or Ocean Theme Park?) at Pasay (Pasay nga ba yun?) Haha.

-I’ll go ice skating.

-I’ll go to Tagaytay, ride a horse, eat lots of Pizza and stimulate myself with my favorite Starbucks’ Chocolate Cream Chip

-I’ll take a long, slow walk and watch the sunset. And I’ll make sure to bring my handy notebook so I can jot down reflections

-I’ll treat myself with lots of potatoes. Baked, mashed, fried, processed, etc, etc.

-I’ll go to Baguio.

-And of course, I’ll be sure to capture the moments. I’ll take lots of pictures and oh, videos, too.

Hmmmmm… Just noticed, I haven’t included who I want to be with on those escapades (I love to be alone but not all the time, though)

-EK: Probably, the youth ministry workers (ang dami nila). So, I wish to have a van, the huge one like those of rich people para may sasakyan na kami. ^_^

-Ocean Park: My family. Papa, Mama, AJ, and Tita Bessy

-Ice Skating: My very few trusted friends at Incoho

-Tagaytay: My Chowking buddies =p

-Long walk: God --- alone =D

-Potato treat: myself (haha! Selfish!)

-Baguio: the 8 who attended Jrev (oh, no, anong year nga ba yun??)

-Capturing moments: Hmmm… whoever has a camera na pang-professional photographer =D

Praying...

2008-06-02T03:40:00.000-07:00

Oceans Will Part
Hillsong

If my heart has grown cold
There Your love will unfold
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
When I’m blind to my way
There Your Spirit will pray
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand

Oceans will part
Nations come
At the whisper of Your call
Hope will rise
Glory shown
In my life Your will be done

Present suffering may pass
Lord Your mercy will last
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
And my heart will find praise
I’ll delight in Your way
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand

Oceans will part
Nations come
At the whisper of Your call
Hope will rise
Glory shown
In my life Your will be done

Jesus, open my eyes to the work of Your hand

God Knows

2008-05-29T04:41:00.000-07:00

INJUSTICE.

Someone BIGGER sees.

And He'll intervene in the perfect time.

Just wait.

Thunder, Lightning, & Storms

2008-05-29T03:42:00.000-07:00

I can still vividly remember how as a little girl I would cry and cringe in one corner upon hearing strong, loud and powerful sounds from what they call THUNDER. And as if the terrible sound isn’t enough, it will be followed by a flashing light that cuts through the darkness caused by the angry weather --- that’s what they call LIGHTNING. Then comes the pouring rain.

Of the three, I love the rain. In fact, it’s the only thing that could bring my sobs to an end. Mama would embrace me and allow me to soak wet outside just so to stop me dwelling on my fear. Ironically, outside is far scarier but whatever, I only cared about the rain. The feeling of having something within washed away is thrilling.

That girl has grown up already but the feeling stays still. Yes, she no longer cries over thunder and lightning but something inside still melts whenever there is an occurrence.

And yes, she loves the rain - still. It’s the gloomy weather that promises a beautifully arched rainbow in the sky. And the reminder that God is up there, taking control. Cleansing her and refreshing her in seasons of dryness. Sometimes, the cleansing comes with terrible sounds like that of thunder and with fiery flashes like that of lightning, so as to bring an arrogant heart back to humility and repentance. And sometimes, it comes quietly, almost without warning, like that of small drops, enough to be noticed and felt. It’s the small, still voice wanting to be heard and obeyed and so give way to a greater blessing.
____
Soak me now, Lord.

**Note, this post is inspired by a desire to write something about my fear of thunder but anyhow, I ended up reflecting on this. God is great. =)

My Multiple Intelligence/s ^_^

2008-05-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence
People with Linguistic intelligence love and are talented with words. They enjoy reading, writing and learning languages. They have an ability to teach and explain things to others. They learn best by reading, taking notes and going to lectures.

Common Characteristics
Notices grammatical mistakes
Often speaks of what they have read
Likes to use "fancy" words
Loves word games
Cherishes their book collection
Easily remembers quotes and famous sayings
Likes puns and rhymes
Enjoys writing
Enjoys foreign language
Always enjoyed English class

Career Matches
Writer (any type)
Editor
Public Speaker
Politician
Preacher
Teacher
Journalist
Broadcaster
English / Writing Tutor
Actor / Actress

Intrapersonal Intelligence
People with intrapersonal intelligence are adept at looking inward and figuring out their own feelings, motivations and goals. They are introspective and seek understanding. They are intuitive and typically introverted. They learn best independently.

Common Characteristics
Introverted
Prefers working alone
Philosophical
Self-aware
Perfectionistic
Often thinks of self-employment
Enjoys journaling
Intuitive
Independent
Spends time thinking and reflecting
Likes learning about self

Career Matches
Psychologist
Philosopher
Writer
Theologian

Musical Intelligence

People with musical intelligence love music. They appreciate rhythm and composition. They are gifted with the ability to compose, sing and/or play instrument(s). Able to recognize sounds, tones and rhythm, they have a "good ear" for music. They learn best through lectures and often use rhythm and music as a way to memorize things.

Common Characteristics
Have good rhythm
Can easily memorize songs
Notice and enjoy different sounds
Often singing, whisling or tapping a song
Talented with an instrument or singing
Can tell when a note is off-key
Often have a song running through their head
Have an unquenchable passion for music

Career Matches
Musician
Singer
Conductor
Composer
Songwriter
Music Teacher
Music Director
Choir Director
Record Producer

Take the turn to know yours here. =)

Getting to Know Me (more)

2008-05-27T03:44:00.000-07:00

About the ENFJ Expert Quotes & Links

"ENFJs are the benevolent 'pedagogues' of humanity. They have tremendous charisma by which many are drawn into their nurturant tutelage and/or grand schemes. Many ENFJs have tremendous power to manipulate others with their phenomenal interpersonal skills and unique salesmanship."
- ENFJ Profile (TypeLogic)

"altruistic, easily hurt, religious, neat, content, positive, affectionate, image conscious..."
- ENFJ Jung Type Descriptions (similarminds.com)

"Success for an ENFJ comes through involvement in the process of making things happen for people; through the accomplishments and satisfactions of those they have helped to enrich the human world with greater value, and through finding that their efforts on behalf of others have fulfilled their own life as well."
- ENFJ Personal Growth (The Personality Page)

"Teachers expect the very best of those around them, and this expectation, usually expressed as enthusiastic encouragement, motivates action in others and the desire to live up to their expectations."
- The Portrait of the Teacher Idealist (Keirsey) "ENFJs are people-focused individuals. They live in the world of people possibilities. More so than any other type, they have excellent people skills. They understand and care about people, and have a special talent for bringing out the best in others. ENFJ's main interest in life is giving love, support, and a good time to other people. They are focused on understanding, supporting, and encouraging others. They make things happen for people, and get their best personal satisfaction from this."
- Portrait of an ENFJ (The Personality Page)

"ENFJs focused on the organization's ideals and operate within those ideals. They focus on how organizations should treat people and communicate these values to others. They enjoy leading and facilitating teams, and like to bring matters to mutually beneficial conclusions. ENFJs prefer a work setting that contains individuals focused on changing things for the betterment of others."
- ENFJ - The Safe (Lifexplore)

"Rated by psychologists among 2 types least likely to have trouble in school. "
- ENFJ Facts (discoveryourpersonality.com)

ENFJ Career Matches

ENFJs are often happy with the following jobs which tend to match well with the Mentor/Visionary personality.

Accountant/Auditor
Actor
Administrative Assistant
Administrator
Artist
Banker/Economist
Careers Counselor
Church Worker
Computer Specialist
Consultant
Designer
Diplomat
Editor
Engineer
Events Coordinator
Facilitator
Homemaker
Human Resources
Librarian
Musician
Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Politician
Project Manager
Psychiatrist
Psychologist/Counselor
Sales Representative
Scientist
Senior Manager
Social Worker
Teacher/Professor
Technical Specialist
Trainer
Writer

Details
Preferences
Extraverted
iNtuition
Feeling
Judging

Temperament NF (Visionary)
ENFJ Population Total: 3%Male: 1.5%Female: 4.5%
Primary Function Extraverted Feeling
Secondary Function Introverted Intuition
Tertiary Function Extraverted Sensing
Least Function Introverted Thinking

To view my result page, click here. Thanksies to Kuya Myk for letting me know of this site. ^_^